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The Alaska Range is home to Denali (20,320') the highest mountain in North America. Denali has numerous vast glaciers that flow down to an altitude of 2000', creating over 18,000' of glaciated terrain and the highest relief from top to bottom of any mountain in the world. Surrounding Denali are hundreds of peaks, many of which are the most sought after climbs in the world. Most notably are the vertical rock walls and narrow corniced ridges of Mount Huntington and the endless ice routes of Mount Hunter.
Climbers reach the Alaska Range via ski-equipped planes. En route to the glacier air strip we fly through the Alaska range scanning breathtaking views of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Instruction takes place on the glaciers surrounding these mountains and we complete our course by climbing one or two of the smaller but equally magnificent peaks in the area.
Alaska Range Challenges
Mt. Francis (10,450') is centrally located between Denali, Hunter and Foraker giving stunning 360 degree views from its summit. Our climb ascends the narrow East Ridge on snow and ice for approximately 2,000ft providing excellent climbing using all the skills we have learned during the course.
Mt. Crosson (12,880') presents a two-day climb in which we set high camp half-way up on the South East Ridge. This ridge is steep and continuous for over 5,000ft offering excellent climbing and a great challenge for the aspiring alpinist. This climb is truly a classic.
Control Tower (8,670') is one of the peaks that is climbed during the six-day course. It is a central landmark located behind camp on the South East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. We ascend Control Tower from the North East. The route we climb is exciting; we traverse a narrow ridge then up a final steep section. This climb is a great stepping-stone in the Alaska Range.
Kahiltna Dome (12,525'), another Alaska classic, offers excellent climbing up the three-mile long North East Ridge. The entire climb offers superb views of the West Buttress of Denali and Mount Foraker.
Point Ferene (9,300'), centrally located on the Kahiltna Glacier, is a satellite peak of the Kahiltna Dome. Ascending from the north, we use the same approach route as the climbers for Denali. The climb is a beautiful, moderate glacier climb.
Alpine Ascents International is an authorized concessionaire of Denali National Park.
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The North Cascades form the largest and most rugged alpine wilderness mountain range in the contiguous US. Contained within this range are scores of peaks topping 8,000", upwards of 400 glaciers and countless permanent snowfields. Most of the high peaks in the North Cascades are composed of metamorphic or intrusive igneous rocks.
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